ágil de reflejos
/axil de ɾeflexos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "quick on your feet" can be translated into Spanish as ágil de reflejos.
The phrase ágil de reflejos is used to describe both physical dexterity and mental alertness in responding to sudden changes.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "agile of reflexes".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is gender-neutral in its structure, though the adjective ágil remains the same for both masculine and feminine subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
/axil de ɾeflexos/
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers often use the adjective despierto, which literally means 'awake', to describe someone who is mentally sharp and quick to react to situations.
- To praise someone for being 'quick on their feet' in a savvy or street-smart way, Spanish speakers often use espabilado, which suggests the person has 'awakened' to the reality of a situation.
- The word ágil shares a common ancestor with the English word 'agent'. Both stem from the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to drive' or 'to do', reflecting the idea of being a person of action.
Examples in context
- Durante la reunión, el ponente fue rápido de reflejos al contestar todas las preguntas difíciles.During the meeting, the speaker was quick on their feet when answering all the tough questions.
- ¡Qué vivo eres, siempre tienes una respuesta ingeniosa!You're so quick-minded, you always have a witty response!
- El portero es muy ágil de reflejos.The goalkeeper is very quick on his feet.
- Tienes que ser ágil de reflejos en este deporte.You have to be quick on your feet in this sport.
- Ella es ágil de reflejos para evitar los golpes.She is quick on her feet to avoid the hits.
Example conversation
Javier and María are watching a professional tennis match on TV.
- Javier¿Viste ese movimiento de ese jugador?Did you see that movement from that player?
- MaríaSí, es increíblemente ágil de reflejos.Yes, he is incredibly quick on his feet.
- JavierEs necesario para ganar tantos puntos.It is necessary to win so many points.
- MaríaTienes razón, Javier.You are right, Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, ágil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
